This is not an exhaustive review but more of an acknowledgement that this is one of the most important books written about the American state of mind. It should have been required reading in every American educational institution and should be an ongoing intellectual discussion. If you have never read this work, indeed, if you have never heard of it you should at least read the author's introduction and the first chapter. If you have ever wondered why, as an American, you are constantly required to reconcile opposites, "see both sides" of moral issues, or been frustrated by political and social decisions that do not match what you learned in school about the "American way" you will find a great many answers in this work.